Lakers Return to Road Again

INDIANAPOLIS — The Lakers hit the road Tuesday and began the season's longest trip, a 10-day excursion during which they will play five games, starting tonight against the resurgent Indiana Pacers.

The Lakers are 39-13, and Coach Pat Riley said that any after-effects of Sunday's 105-99 loss to the Celtics should be gone.

"That game is filed away now," Riley said. "It's history. Maybe it will even do us some good."

The Lakers may find out if Riley is right on this trip, which will continue Friday night against the New Jersey Nets and also includes games Sunday afternoon at Philadelphia, Monday night at Atlanta and Wednesday night at Dallas.